Grand Cherokee Changes for 2003

As the innovator of the compact sport-utility segment, Jeep® continues to offer unique vehicles to a wide range of discriminating customers. The Jeep Grand Cherokee remains at the forefront of the premium SUV segment for 2003, offering a range of vehicles from well-equipped models at great prices to the most powerful Grand Cherokee ever.

"The award-winning Jeep Grand Cherokee provides legendary Jeep capability with the best combination of comfort and capability in the entire industry," said Tom Marinelli, Vice President - Chrysler/Jeep Global Brand Center, DaimlerChrysler Corporation.

Enhanced Ride and Improved Brake Feel Make 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee Even More Fun to Drive

For 2003, Jeep engineers have further refined the flagship of the brand - giving Jeep Grand Cherokee an even better ride, improved brake feel and lower steering effort as part of the Chrysler Group's continuous improvement process. The 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee's suspension features reduced pressure shocks for improvements in overall ride comfort. Reduced brake pedal effort allowing shorter stopping distances during braking maneuvers was accomplished by increasing the master cylinder output pressure for a "lighter" brake pedal feel. New brake calipers for 2003 complement lighter brake pedal feel, providing smoother and more linear braking. Jeep engineers also reduced steering effort both on- and off-center by a very noticeable 20-percent through the use of a revised steering gear torsion bar.

"We've refined just about every area of dynamics to deliver the smoothest and most responsive Jeep Grand Cherokee ever, without sacrificing any of the vehicle's on-road or off-road capability," said Marinelli.

Enhanced Safety Features Provide Owners Peace of Mind

LATCH system
Jeep has a long tradition of integrating safety into every vehicle, and the Grand Cherokee leads the way with several industry firsts. For 2003, the Grand Cherokee is equipped with the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system for mounting the new generation of aftermarket infant child seats. With the LATCH system, child seats attach directly to the structure of the rear seat, making them easier to install.

Ceiling-Mounted Side Curtain Air Bags
Available ceiling-mounted side curtain air bags offer additional head protection for both front and rear outboard occupants. When first launched as a 1993 model, Grand Cherokee offered the world's first standard driver-side air bag in a sport-utility vehicle. Now standard, multi-stage driver and passenger front air bags are designed to deploy at different levels depending on the severity of the impact.

Tire Pressure Monitoring
Jeep was the first sport-utility vehicle to offer a tire pressure monitoring system with the 2002 model. Sensors mounted in the valve stem of each tire, including the spare, transmit information to the vehicle's overhead console. A warning message displayed on the overhead console alerts the driver when the tire pressure exceeds or falls below set thresholds.

Rain-Sensing Wipers
Utilizing a rain sensor attached to the windshield, Grand Cherokee offers rain-sensing front windshield wipers. When the front windshield wiper control is turned to "AUTO," the wiper system automatically activates when it rains.

Adjustable Pedals
In addition, Grand Cherokee offers adjustable brake and accelerator pedals. Using a switch conveniently located on the instrument panel, drivers can move the pedals up to three inches closer to the occupant, allowing drivers with shorter legs to sit more comfortably relative to the steering wheel. The pedal position is incorporated into the "his-and-hers" memory settings, along with the seat position, radio station selections and mirror settings on equipped vehicles. Only Jeep Grand Cherokee prevents the pedals from moving when the vehicle is in reverse or when using cruise control, for the safety of the occupants.

Safety features standard on all Jeep Grand Cherokee models include next-generation front air bags, self-adjusting low-tension three-point belts and height-adjustable shoulder belts.

Award-Winning High-Output 4.7-Liter Power Tech^TM V-8 Heads Engine Lineup

The 4.7-liter Power Tech V-8 High-Output engine has been collecting non-stop kudos since its debut for the 2002 model year. The 4.7-liter High-Output engine produces 260 horsepower (195 kW) at 5,100 rpm, and 330 lb.-ft. (448 N•m) of torque at 3,600 rpm, representing a 15-percent increase in horsepower and 12-percent increase in torque over the highly acclaimed 4.7-liter Power Tech V-8 engine. Both V-8 engines are mated to the 545RFE five-speed automatic transmission, which provides a second overdrive gear for increased highway fuel efficiency and quieter engine operation at highway speeds.

The High-Output version of the 4.7-liter engine is standard on the premium Overland model and available on the Limited. The standard 4.7-liter engine continues to be available on the Laredo and Limited models. Laredo and Limited continue to offer the 4.0-liter Power Tech I-6 engine as standard equipment.

Overland Model Features Premium Appointments and High-Output V-8

The Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland model combines the 4.7-liter High-Output engine with a high level of standard equipment and premium appointments, making it the most powerful and luxurious Grand Cherokee ever. In true Jeep style, the Grand Cherokee Overland model offers as much functional content as it does unique appearance. This top-of-the-line model offers as standard equipment rain-sensing front windshield wipers and ceiling-mounted side curtain air bags. Overland also features the award-winning Quadra-Drive® system, which combines the Quadra-Trac II® transfer case and Vari-Lok® axles for the ultimate in capability. Without any driver involvement, the Quadra-Drive system keeps the vehicle moving even if only one wheel has minimum traction - a key customer benefit under all driving conditions.

Also standard on Overland is the Up-Country Suspension Group, Skid Plate Group, P235/65R17 outlined white letter all-terrain tires, full-size spare tire with matching wheel and 10-disc CD changer.

Now offered in five exterior colors, including new Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat, Overland models feature 17-inch satin silver aluminum wheels, and functional metallic painted side rock rails. The Dark Slate interior features real Redwood Burl wood accents, premium suede and leather seats and "Overland" embroidered floor mats.

Jeep Engineered Four-Wheel Drive Systems

Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo and Limited are available in both two- and four-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive Laredo models feature the Selec-Trac® full-time transfer case with low range. The Quadra-Trac II on-demand transfer case with low range is standard on Limited and optional on Laredo. The Quadra-Drive system combines the Quadra-Trac II transfer case with Vari-Lok axles and is able to send nearly 100 percent of the developed engine torque to just one wheel, if necessary. The Quadra-Trac II transfer case incorporates a progressive, speed-sensing torque transfer coupling. Vari-Lok axles use progressive, hydro-mechanical speed-sensing torque transfer couplings in both front and rear differentials.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo models will feature a new high-back cloth seat for 2003. A low-back version will also be available on Laredo models. In all Jeep Grand Cherokee interiors, a new cubby bin for holding sunglasses or cellular phones is added to the instrument panel, replacing the ashtray.

For 2003, Grand Cherokee is offered in three new exterior colors - Light Pewter Metallic, Bright Silver Metallic and Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat.

Grand Cherokee is manufactured at DaimlerChrysler's Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit. For international markets, left- and right-hand drive four-wheel drive versions are produced at the Steyr-Daimler-Puch Fahrzeugtechnik AG assembly plant in Graz, Austria.